What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than a good ol’ backyard cookout?

Top this year’s party by turning your Pop into a CondimentKing! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite toppings – from chutney to ketchup, all vegan, many kosher certified – that are sure to take your grilled meats, treats and everything in between to a whole new level. Continue reading

In advance of our round-up of favorite summer condiments for Father’s Day, we’d like to whet your whistle with this simple, thirst slacking, Burning Bush infused Burning Passion. Think: mid-week cocktail on the porch, in the park, or oceanside.

If you’re lucky enough to live anywhere near a farm that grows strawberries, be sure to venture out to pick your own. When you tire of having sweet, ruby tinged juice staining your fingers, and you can tear yourself away from eating every other berry you bend to pick, head home to bake these easy and classic strawberry shortcakes.

Thank you, Christy Colasurdo and Tracey Medeiros, for sharing this recipe from their just released cookbook, The Connecticut Farm to Table Cookbook; 150 Home-Grown Recipes from the Nutmeg State, June 2015. This beautifully photographed book is a celebration of the local and seasonal. Although it highlights CT. chefs, the recipes are suitable for all die-hard locavores anywhere. (Note: this cookbook has plenty of vegetarian and kosher friendly recipes within, but it is not a kosher cookbook).

Forgive the sense of urgency but we suggest you snatch up some succulent strawberries as quickly as possible. The best ones aren’t playing hard to get, they really are!

Here in CT, strawberry season happens so quickly that if you don’t get out to the fields over a two-three week period (and it could be shorter) you’ll miss your opportunity to pick your own. (see link below to find farms with strawberry fields throughout the U. S.).

There are oodles of noodles out there – all with different sizes, textures and characteristics. So where the heck do you start when choosing the perfect kind for a much-needed cold summer salad as the temps continue to rise? Continue reading

Made from buckwheat flour, soba noodles have a strong, nutty flavor and served hot or cold, are a terrific base for a stir fry or salad. A good alternative to wheat pasta if you follow a gluten-free diet, not to mention lower in calories, be aware that many varieties do contain wheat flour.

Springis officially (and finally) here. If you’re on the East Coast, the local produce is starting to appear at Farmer’s Markets….Yay! If your eyes are bigger than your stomach and you tend to overbuy produce, you’re not alone.

Here are a few of Marcia Selden Catering’s top tips for storing that delicious spring produce to help keep things fresher longer. Continue reading

They are geared up and ready to roll – and after spending the harsh winter cooped up inside, so are we. We’re talkin’ food trucks. We’ve “mobilized” the top vegetarian, vegan, kosher and kosher friendly trucks. You’ll have a great ride hopping from falafel and kosher schnitzel to cold-pressed smoothies and everything in between with this round-up as your guide.

Don’t see your favorite truck here? Scroll down to the comments section and let us know.

NYC

VEGETARIAN

Photo: Taim Mobile, NYC

Taïm Mobile

Taïm (slang for “super yummy” in Hebrew) has gotten loads of recognition for their tasty falafel sandwich – and rightfully so. They also have plenty of other vegan and gluten-free, vegetarian options like hummus sandwiches, quinoa salads and pear-mint-lemon smoothies.

Where to find: Varies week to week, but usually at 20th & 5th or Water & Broad near Wall Street; follow them on Twitter (@TaimMobile) to see where they’ve stopped!

Green Radish

Photo: Liz Rueven, The Green Radish, NYC

Liz already dished out all the enticing reasons to check out their healthy vegan organic eats last summer, but we plan on heading back to try more of some of their less “messy” options that are perfect for a spring lunch, including the “Asian BBQ Tofu Delight” made with chili marinated tofu, cabbage slaw and lemongrass mayo on a ciabatta roll.

Where to find: Follow them on Facebook or Twitter (@thegreenradish1) to check out where they are stopped!

VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY

Katchkie Truck

This farm-to-truck healthy eatery boasts a unique 100-mile menu (meaning all of its ingredients are sourced within 100 miles of NYC, mostly from their very own organic Katchkie Farm). Although options vary depending on produce availability, it is always filled with seasonal vegetarian options like farm-fresh salads with gazpacho vinaigrette and much more.

Where to find: Four Freedoms Park starting April 4th (open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-4pm); Starting Memorial Day Weekend it will be open from 11am-4pm through the summer. Follow them on Twitter for updates (@KatchkieTruck)

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream

Photo: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, NYC and Brooklyn

If you’re in the mood for sweet eats on the street, stop by one of Van Leeuwen’s Artisan Ice Cream Trucks in Williamsburg or SoHo. They serve an array of classic and vegan ice cream flavors, all made from scratch in Greenpoint, Brooklyn using ingredients from the finest small producers in the world.

Where to find: Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Bedford Ave at N8th) daily from noon-late; SoHo on Prince & Green daily from noon to late

KOSHER

The Pocketful

Jack Rahmey’s Pocketful food truck is full of certified kosher Middle-Eastern items inspired by his own bubbe’s favorite recipes. He has taken them to a whole new level by putting a modern, global-fusion twist on traditional falafel and hummus. Take their suggestion and try them with guacamole and jalapeño or goat cheese and red peppers.

Where to find: 50th between 6th&7th, Monday-Friday until 3pm (follow them on twitter to stay tuned @ThePocketful)

Wandering Que

Ari White aka Wandering Que

Doesn’t this warm weather make you crave some BBQ? Take a stroll during some of the city’s many street fairs and Pop-Ups and stop by the Wandering Que for some authentic Texas smokehouse BBQ. Lucky for the kosher carnivores, Ari White moves around a lot! Check out slow-cooked brisket, pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches and various Texas-style cholents.

Feast your eyes: Full menu here (although items available may vary on the truck)

The uber-popular Squeeze food truck has an array of “RAWnchy” cold-pressed juices, milks & shakes, live veggie-loaded soups and salads and gluten-free desserts that are sure to give you the refreshing kick you need this spring. You can grab their vegan, kosher certified eats and drinks all day and week long on Union Square West & 17th street starting early May.

Where to find: Starting early May, you can find them from Union Square West & 17 St. Follow them on Twitter for the latest updates (@TheSqueezeNY) from 8am-8pm

Shuka truck

Get some authentic Israeli eats from Shuka – NYC’s first and only food truck that serves fresh, vegetarian, certified kosher Shakshuka (poached eggs in tomato sauce with some of our favorite Middle-Eastern spices such as cumin and harissa) in a variety of flavors with modern twists.

Where to find: The truck moves daily, so stay connected to track ‘em down on social media (@ShukaNYC) and their brand new “Shuka” app

Shuka Truck, NYC

Moshe’s Falafel Stand

Moshe’s Falafel is still going strong after a decade of serving tasty kosher golden falafel. The lines at the cart are worth the wait; the now famous crunchy falafel with tahini and daily soup offerings make the perfect quick and healthy lunch on the go.

Cuisine: Middle-Eastern, certified kosher

What to try: Falafel

Where to find: 46th Street & 6th Ave; Be sure to follow them on Twitter to see where they’ve stopped (@MoshesFalafel)

Schnitzi

Who doesn’t love some toasty, golden-crumbed Israeli schnitzel once in a while? For your kosher chicken cutlet fix, head over to Schnitzi Food Truck, where they have fresh schnitzels, sandwiches, salads and much more, all served with your choice of their legendary sauces (the garlic-mayonnaise and chimichurri flavors are super popular).

Get simply delicious, vegan fare made with locally sourced, organic ingredients from the family owned AMOR food truck this season. Though not certified kosher, they stay away from any meat, poultry, fish, gelatin rennet or eggs in their truck; but they do have one special ingredient that sets them apart – “amor”. That’s right, as if the mouthwatering, mindfully constructed menu items were not enough, the owners cook with a true love for food and are committed to “transforming the way [we] experience vegan & vegetarian cuisine,” according to Co-owner and Chef Gabriella da Silva-Taylor.

Where to find: Various CT farmers’ markets & festivals; find their exact location by following them on Twitter(@AmorFoodTruck) & their website

GMonkey Mobile

GMonkey photo: Jeff Skerik (AKA Rawtographer)

GMonkey Mobile is totally green in every sense of the word. Their truck runs on bio-diesel and they serve fresh, vegan, organic “eco-street food” made with ingredients sourced from their CT farm on recycled biodegradable plates. While their menu changes weekly depending on what is growing, some of their most popular, consistent items include “Feisty Monkey Peanut Soba Noodles”, “Downward Dog Black Bean Burritos”, gluten-free quinoa salad with a curried walnut pate and all of their organic smoothies and juices.

Where to find: Find the G-Spot by following them on social media or their website (Hartford & New Haven, CT areas)

VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY

Photo: Liz Rueven, Skinny Pines

Skinny Pines

You’ve already gotten the skinny on this mobile wood-fired brick oven truck but we just had to remind you to check them out again this season. Their pizzas are topped with the freshest, locally sourced veggies and vary depending on availability. This year they are making their debut at the Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow Farmers’ Market in addition to their regular appearances at the Westport and New Canaan Farmers’ Markets this summer. You can have Skinny Pines roll right up to your home and serve up a full party menu, too. Speak with Jeff.

Cuisine: Farm-fresh, wood-fired Pizza with lots of veg options available

What to try: Whatever they recommend for vegetarians that day!

Where to find: Tarrytown & SleepyHollow, New Canaan and Westport Farmers’ Markets

Sugar Cupcake & Bakery Truck

Cupcake Truck; Photo: C. Ferrie Photography

Satisfy your sweet tooth with one of 18 flavors of cupcakes available from the multi award-winning Sugar Cupcake Truck. Available for either private events or regularly at the Clinton Outlets and throughout Hamden and Madison this season, their cupcake flavors include vegan vanilla, red velvet canoli and gluten-free friendly cannoli.

Where to find: Their weekly schedule is updated on their website or follow them on Twitter (@TheSugarBakery)

GranolaBar

The Granola Bar, Photo: Liz Rueven

GranolaBar’s Truck is geared up and ready to cater your perfect spring and summer soirée this year – from backyard birthday parties and end-of-school graduations to morning-after Bat Mitzvah brunches. They’ve just launched their brand new organic, seasonal menu and full of eats for people kosher like me, including Brussels and kale salad and salmon burgers!

Full menu: Click here – note you can customize your catered party’s menu any way you like

Cuisine: Eclectic with lots of veg options

What to try: We’re eyeing their hearty salads made with homemade dressings

Where to find: Give them a ring at (203) 906-2244 to book them today

Don’t stop here! We’ve only just begun to cover NYC and CT. So help us outand let us know where you love to eaton the streets. We’re talking to ALL of our readers from our own neighborhoods to the left coast and all hot spots in between. Leave your comments and suggestions below. Help us outwith some local tips!

Please and thank you. Here’s a napkin for that shmutzon your chin!

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#198: Chop Hunger on the UWS

You are invited to join an exciting evening featuring celebrity chefs and cookbook authors as they compete in a cooking challenge inspired by the hardships that MASBIA soup kitchens has experienced in its ongoing mission to feel New York’s hungriest.

#197: Moss Cafe Hosts First Supper Club

A six course tasting menuwill be served to guests around a communal table as each course is introduced by the Moss team. Expect to be wow’ed and inspired as you meet new friends and share the highlights of New England’s mid-summer harvest.

#196: Attention Cheese Lovers

Cheese enthusiasts will visit three of the most exciting spots to taste and buy cheese in NYC. Chef Russell Mosswill guide you to Murray’s, Di Palo’s and Saxelby where you’ll sample, learn how cheeses are made, better understand how to serve and present, and finally, pair cheeses with food and wines.